Upcoming Film Screening, Scam Alert, and More!
March 27, 2026
View this email in your browser
Dear Neighbor,
Happy Friday!
The UConn Men and Women's Basketball teams have advanced to the Sweet 16! The women will play the University of North Carolina at 5 PM, and the men will play Michigan State at 9:45 PM. Good luck to both teams!
Please read below for information on an upcoming film screening at the Capitol, a scam alert, and more!
Film Screening at the Capitol
On Thursday, April 9, I will join State Representatives Robin Comey, Jennifer Leeper, and State Senator Cathy Osten to host a screening of Hopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars.
Following the screening, there will be a Q+A with Harvey Hubbell V, the director of the film. Please click here to register.
Norwalk Earth Day Festival
The 5th annual Norwalk Earth Day Festival will be held on Saturday, April 25. The day of festivities will include fun activities for all ages, including:
- Live Music
- Local Food Trucks and a Beer Garden
- Crafts and Face Painting
- And more!
Click here to learn more.
Westport LWV Pie and Politics
Please join State Senator Ceci Maher, Representative Jonathan Steinberg and me for a panel discussion hosted by the Westport League of Women Voters. The annual Pie & Politics event will be held this Monday, March 30 at Pizza Lyfe. Free pizza will be provided. The event will begin at 7:30 PM. Click here to RSVP.
Click here for more information.
Scam Alert
Scam Alert from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection: A fake Amazon text says your order was recalled and prompts you to click a link to confirm your refund. Be wary of links that look unusual or do not include the name of the company.
What should you do? Don't click the link, block the number, and only verify recalls on the Amazon app or official website.
Olive Branch Prom Shop is Now Open
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is holding an Olive Branch "Prom Shop". Any high school student that is receiving or has received DCF support is eligible for a free gown or suit. The shop, which is located in the Buckland Hills Mall, has a variety of options to ensure that students look sharp on their special night.
To help these students in need, DCF is collecting gently used prom gowns, men's suits and tuxes, fancy shoes, and accessories, such as ties, jewelry, and purses. There are several drop-off locations, including one in Norwalk. Please see the complete list of drop off locations below.
Please reach out to Jacqueline Ford (Jacqueline.Ford@ct.gov) if you have any questions.
ICYMI - Resources for Tax Season
The deadline to file your taxes is Wednesday, April 15. I wanted to reshare a few free resources available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes:
- The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help for low-to moderate-income (under $58,000) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Volunteers, sponsored by various organizations, receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. Visit Connecticut's 2-1-1 website and the Free Tax Help page for VITA assistance updates, or visit the IRS Site Locator.
- AARP's Tax-Aide Program, a partnership between the AARP Foundation and the Internal Revenue Service, provides free tax counseling and preparation services to middle-and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to people age 60 and older. Many sites will e-file your federal and Connecticut returns at no cost to you. Visit the AARP Tax-Aide Site Locator to find a location near you.
- The UConn Law School Tax Clinic is a pro bono (free) legal clinic that provides free legal help to low-income taxpayers with tax problems, either with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS). Lisa Perkins, Clinical Professor & Director, and law students will work on your case. The Tax Clinic also works with attorneys in Connecticut who volunteer to help low-income taxpayers pro bono. The Tax Clinic is independent and separate from the IRS and DRS. It is important to note, that the UCONN tax clinic is only able to assist individual taxpayers with Connecticut income tax problems. Contact Lisa Perkins at lisa.perkins@uconn.edu or 860-570-5165
Pell Grant Program Expanded
Governor Ned Lamont announced that the state will implement new federal Workforce Pell Grants through the Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS), marking a major expansion of financial aid for short-term, career-focused training.
Enabled by H.R. 1 Workforce Pell expansion, the policy allows low-income students to use Pell Grants for programs lasting 8–15 weeks (150–599 hours). Previously, only programs at least 15 weeks and 600 hours qualified. This change is designed to open faster, more flexible pathways into high-demand fields, especially for working adults and non-traditional learners.
OWS will coordinate a broad statewide effort involving agencies and institutions such as the Connecticut Office of Higher Education, Connecticut Department of Labor, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, and the University of Connecticut, along with workforce boards and credentialing bodies. The goal is to align training programs directly with employer needs and regional labor shortages.
To qualify for Workforce Pell funding, programs must meet strict performance and quality standards:
- Align with high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industries
- Lead to a recognized, stackable postsecondary credential
- Achieve at least a 70% completion rate and 70% job placement rate
- Result in wages above the state median for high school graduates
- Be in operation for at least one year
The initiative is intended to strengthen Connecticut’s talent pipeline while making education more accessible and outcomes-driven. Workforce Pell Grants are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.
Upcoming Library Events
The Norwalk Public Library will hold several events over the next few weeks. If you want more information, click on the corresponding flyer or visit the Norwalk Public Library website.
Westport Public Library also has a robust lineup of programming. Please visit their website to learn more.
ICYMI
Attention middle and high school students - the Liver and Health Innovation Consortium is accepting submissions for the Love Your Liver Youth Creative Challenge. Students from grades 6-12 can choose to submit an essay, a visual art piece, poetry, or a song with the theme of how they can make healthy choices to protect their liver. Submissions should include the student’s first and last name, school and grade level, best contact information, and the information of the parent or guardian giving permission to enter the contest. Top prizes include gift cards and a citation recognizing the winning students’ efforts. Click here to enter your submission.
The City of Norwalk is now accepting applications for a Green Workforce Internship with Norwalk Recreation & Parks. This paid internship will support and help lead the Green Workforce Apprenticeship Program, a hands-on job training program focused on trees, landscaping, and environmental careers.
Click here to apply. Applications must be submitted by April 7.
Are you a young artist interested in showing off your talent? Western Connecticut State University is now accepting submissions for their Student Art Showcase. Selected students will take part in a special art exhibition at The Gallery at the Visual and Performing Arts Center. The showcase will accept art pieces in the following artistic categories - drawing and illustration, 3D small works, painting, and photography.
The top selected artists will be featured and presented with noteworthy recognition and awards at the opening reception.
The showcase is open to all Connecticut students in grades 9-12. There is no entry fee. Entries must be submitted by April 12. Click here to learn more.
Westport Hazardous Waste Day is fast approaching. This day is a great opportunity to safely dispose of old paint, chemicals, gasoline, and other hazardous materials. The event will be held on Saturday, April 11 from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the Greens Farms Railroad Station - Parking Lot #1.
Residents from Westport, Norwalk, New Canaan, Darien, Stamford, and Greenwich will be able to drop off items for free!
Click here for more information.
-->
Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions and concerns you may have - I can be reached at Dominique.Johnson@cga.ct.gov, or through my office phone - 860-240-8585.
Sincerely,
Dominique Johnson
State Representative
Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences
